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The Museum’s Collections document the fate of Holocaust victims, survivors, rescuers, liberators, and others through artifacts, documents, photos, films, books, personal stories, and more. Search below to view digital records and find material that you can access at our library and at the Shapell Center.

Rudolf Cohen (now Rudolph Jacobson) is the son of Margarete Jacobsohn. He was born May 11, 1933 in Insterburg (East Prussia), Germany. His parents were divorced the following year. In October 1934 Rudolf's mother was remarried to Erich Jacobsohn and the family moved to Bamberg, where Erich was employed by the Herman Teitz Company. Rudolf had one half-brother, Thomas Michel (b. 1938). During Kristallnacht Rudolf's stepfather was arrested and sent to Dachau. He was released only after Margarete had purchased tickets on the MS St. Louis and secured Cuban landing permits thereby proving their intention to leave Germany. The Jacobsohns set sail aboard the SS St. Louis on May 13, 1939. When the ship was forced to return to Europe, the family was given refuge in Holland. They went first to Rotterdam and later were interned in the Heijplatte. In November 1939 the family's quota number came up allowing them to immigrate to the United States. In late January 1940, after receiving sponsorship and money for the journey from Erich's cousin, Fanny Osterdman, they boarded a ship to America. They landed in Hoboken, New Jersey on February 9, 1940.

Learn about over 1,000 camps and ghettos in Volume I and II of this encyclopedia, which are available as a free PDF download. This reference provides text, photographs, charts, maps, and extensive indexes.